Stretching from Riverside Drive to Morningside Drive, Morningside Heights is an Upper Manhattan neighborhood that’s home to some of the city’s top academic institutions. “Many people think of Columbia University when they think of Morningside Heights,” says Joan Kagan, licensed associate real estate broker with over 15 years of experience and founder of the Joan Kagan at The Agency NYC. “But it's also Barnard College, Manhattan School of Music, Teacher's College, Jewish Theological Seminary.” And while college campuses—and off-campus housing—dominate much of the area, Morningside Heights is known for its historic homes, expansive parks and easy connections to Manhattan’s west side. “Morningside Heights is quieter and slower paced, but you’re still in New York City,” says Julia Boland, licensed associate real estate broker at The Corcoran Group, who has over ten years of experience selling in Upper Manhattan. “All you have to do is hop on the 1 train and you’re at Lincoln Center.”
Beautiful tree lined streets make up most of the Morningside Heights
Columbia's Business School is hard to miss with its unique architecture in Morningside Heights.
1/2
Landmarked buildings lend a distinguished presence
More than 100 buildings are a part of the Morningside Heights Historic District, covering residential and institutional structures. “The landmark restrictions are pretty strict, so most of the buildings are lower,” explains Kagan. "What that means is the avenues feel wider and the streets feel lighter and brighter. And you have a lot of elegant older buildings.” Co-ops in prewar buildings and newly renovated units within condos provide the most available housing in Morningside Heights. Two-bedroom co-ops range from about $600,000 to $1.3 million, while two-bedroom condos in a new luxury building like Robert A.M. Stern’s Claremont Hall range from $1.7 million to $2.5 million. “Townhouses and single-family homes are rare. For one of these, you’re unlikely to find anything less than $4 million,” says Kagan. For those on a more modest budget, a studio in a co-op building can be bought for about $300,000 to $600,000.
More modern mid-rise brick apartments have been built in Morningside Heights.
There are older apartment buildings that have been more recently fixed in Morningside Heights.
1/2
Not only the universities score highly in academics
While Columbia University is the area's most famous institution, several highly regarded kindergarten through twelfth-grade schools are also throughout Morningside Heights. The neighborhood's youngest can get a solid educational foundation at P.S. 125 Ralph Bunche school. It receives B-plus ratings on Niche and a 10/10 for student progress, according to Great Schools. Students in grades 6-12 may attend Columbia Secondary School which is highly ranked for its academics and diverse student body. It receives an A-plus from Niche.
Columbia Secondary School has rigorous programs focusing on math, science, and engineering.
Ps 125 Ralph Bunche in Morningside Heights is a public school located in New York, NY,
1/2
Flanked by Riverside and Morningside parks
Lush green spaces bookend Morningside Heights. Riverside Park stretches along the western boundary and offers sweeping views of the Hudson River. At the north end of the park is the monumental Grant’s Tomb, the largest mausoleum in the US. The park also has a bird sanctuary where visitors might see white-throated sparrows and great blue herons, among several other native and migrating species. On the neighborhood’s east side is Morningside Park, which includes everything from children’s playgrounds to a cascading waterfall. It’s a socially and culturally dynamic green space that serves the Morningside Heights community, and Central Harlem and Little Senegal to the east.
Grant's Tomb in Morningside Heights is largest mausoleum in North America.
Residents of the Morningside Heights community enjoying the pond in Morningside Park.
1/2
Old-school eateries including the “Seinfeld” diner
Tom’s Restaurant, whose façade was made famous in “Seinfeld,” is perhaps the neighborhood’s most famous dining spot, but a close second is the Hungarian Pastry Shop, where locals come for Eastern European-style pastries and traditional Hungarian coffee in the quiet setting of this 1960s-era café. A contemporary favorite is Community Food & Juice for organic, seasonal fare. Pisticci is a smart trattoria serving Italian favorites like rigatoni à la vodka. West Side Market on Broadway is a go-to spot for groceries and there’s a year-round farmers market taking place every week at the entrance to Columbia.
The Hungarian Pastry Shop is renowned for their cappuccinos in Morningside Heights.
Tom's Restaurant
1/2
Community events like Culture on the Corner
Several neighborhood universities welcome the surrounding community with free and open programming. One is Culture on the Corner, an event series that creatively explores the vibrant neighborhood culture at The Forum on Columbia’s campus. During the Morningside Lights festival each September, dozens of large and colorful lanterns brighten the neighborhood’s evening sky. Every April, locals flock to Sakura Park off Riverside Drive to view the vividly pink cherry tree blossoms in bloom. Next to the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine, residents can enjoy the community garden at West 111th Street.
The beautiful Peace Fountain by Greg Wyatt is also located in Julia Gabriel's People's Garden.
Illuminate the night as part of a procession of awe-inspiring handmade lanterns.
1/2
A single train line, but easily accessible
For transportation, the local 1 train stops at the neighborhood’s three subway stations along Broadway, beginning at 110th Street. Riders can connect at the 96th Street station for the express 2 and 3 trains.
The 1 train subway is very prevalent in the Morningside Heights community.
The Morningside Heights community can access the 1, 2 & 3 trains all in different locations.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Ken Laino,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Lafayette Square
Morningside Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Bike Trails
Julia Gabriel People's Garden
Trails
Sheltering Arms Playground
Picnic Area
Pool
Trails
Roosevelt Triangle
Sakura Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Events
Riverside Park
Transit
Airport
Laguardia
16 min drive
Subway
116 Street-Columbia University
Bus
Amsterdam Av & W 116 St
Bus
Broadway & W 122 St
Bus
Cathedral Py & Morningside Dr
Bus
Amsterdam Av & W 120 St
Bus
Amsterdam Av & W 112 St
Bus
Riverside Dr & W 114 St
Bus
120 E
Reviews
Niche Reviews
4.022 Reviews
4.0Current Resident
8/18/2019Niche Review
Some of the oldest and most historically significant buildings in Manhattan are still here. There is a significant presence of public spaces like parks, academic institutions, and churches in the area, and it's both incredibly safe and reasonably priced for a neighborhood in New York (particularly based on how nice it is).
1.0Current Resident
9/7/2019Niche Review
I don't like it here lots of crime can get intimidating but is nice at time. I have faith in this place.
4.0Current Resident
5/22/2017Niche Review
Morningside Heights is an incredibly beautiful area. The campus is settled in to a beautiful area where it is not too loud but does not let you forget you are in New York City. It is unfortunate that the history of Morningside Heights is one of gentrification. There are nearby college bars that are get old pretty quickly, however one may enjoy visiting them once or twice. It is a very safe neighborhood, with frat boys as the largest threat.
4.0Current Resident
4/8/2017Niche Review
Morningside Heights is a beautiful area to live. It is full of wonderful people, music, food, and culture. An aspect of Morningside that is difficult is the amount of income required to live here. I am a student here in New York and rent in this area is very high and can be somewhat of a burden. But if one can afford to live here it is quite nice with lots to offer for all ages and walks of life.
1 Bedroom 1 Bath, Apt 16D is ready to be your dream apartment! Live in the beautiful Morningside Gardens Complex at a price you can't pass by! Relax in this peaceful large apartment with gorgeous light all day. This open, light-filled residence features beautiful wood flooring, a renovated bathroom, over sized windows, clean lines and 7 closets! An entrance hallway, leads you into the spacious
WOW! Perched up on the 8th Floor, this large, freshly painted 2 bedroom, 1 bath apartment has the floor plan you've been looking for to make your own. An entrance foyer leads you into a large apartment that has fantastic closets, natural light-filled rooms from over sized windows, and has just the right amount of space one needs for ultimate comfort..The big eat-in windowed kitchen opens to a
Bathed in natural light from oversized, double exposures, this high-floor corner 2-bedroom home in the heart of Morningside Heights exudes prewar grace reimagined for the modern lifestyle. A proper entry foyer, complete with a large walk-in closet and an additional storage closet, sets the tone for the elegant proportions and thoughtful design found throughout. Every detail of this
Come home to where your living spaces offer both openness and togetherness.When you see the kitchen, you will know it was creatively designed for maximum aesthetics and function. Six burner Wolf oven, Bosch dishwasher, a mixer lift to keep the countertops free, wine fridge, and every inch has been maximized for utility and efficiency, including a magic corner and vertical storage for
Step into history at The Paterno, one of Morningside Heights' most celebrated prewar residences. Designed in 1909 by Schwartz & Gross and built by the Paterno brothers, this Riverside Drive landmark remains a crown jewel of the neighborhood. The marble lobby with its stained‐glass ceiling sets a tone of timeless elegance, recalling an era when The Paterno stood among New York's premier apartment
70 La Salle Street, #10F—Morningside HeightsBring your contractor and imagination to this rare, spacious three-bedroom, two-bathroom home with a screened-in balcony at the sought-after Morningside Heights cooperative. This estate sale, newly painted and cleaned, is an ideal blank canvas to create your dream home in one of Manhattan’s most vibrant, park-filled
Cute, quiet two-bedroom that feels airy and spacious for its footprint. Windows look out onto tree-shaded courtyard and provide lots of ambient light throughout the day. Renovated, windowed kitchen has stainless steel appliances, lots of storage and counterspace, and opens up for pass-through exposure to living/dining area. Installed window A/C units, heat and hot water
Discover luxurious Morningside Heights living at its finest in this stunning condominium located at 545 W 110th St, Manhattan, NY. Spanning an impressive 1,441 square feet, this exquisite home offers a harmonious blend of elegance and modern convenience with its thoughtfully designed layout. This spacious and airy two-bedroom, two-bathroom residence offers large and excellently proportioned rooms
Welcome to this very spacious and private 3-bedroom apartment located in the heart of Morningside Heights/West Harlem. Situated just steps away from Columbia University and CCNY, this apartment is conveniently positioned near the 125th St subway stop (1 train), offering easy access to restaurants and entertainment. Riverside Park and Fairway Market are also within walking distance, providing a
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Ken Laino,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
30,956
Median Age
31
Population Density
91 ppl/acre
Population under 18
19%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$57,931
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$106,308
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
95.5%
College Graduates
73%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
47%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
54.9%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
50''
Average Winter Low Temperature
28°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
18''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
74/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
93/ 100
Rider's Paradise
Transit Score®
100/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
